Astros vs, Cardinals Game Thread: Game 21, 4/17/2026

Q: What time does the Astros vs. Cardinals game start on April 17, 2026?

The game starts at 7:10 p.m. CST.

Q: Who is starting for the Astros against the Cardinals?

RHP Peter Lambert will make his season debut for the Astros.

Q: What is Peter Lambert's performance history before joining the Astros?

Peter Lambert had a 3.98 ERA with 111 strikeouts in 23 appearances for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows last year.

Q: What special events are happening during the Astros game on April 17, 2026?

It's Faith and Family Night, featuring postgame testimonials and fireworks, along with giveaways for fans.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros hits an rbi single scoring Jeremy Peña #3 against the Athletics in the top of the first inning at Sutter Health Park on April 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Houston Astros (8-12) will open a three-game series with their former division rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals (10-8), tonight at Daikin Park. **RHP Peter Lambert** (season debut), selected from Triple A today, will make his first regular season appearance for the Astros tonight opposite the Cardinals and starter **RHP Kyle Leahy** (1-2, 5.14 ERA). **TONIGHT’S STARTER:** RHP Peter Lambert joined the Astros via free agency this offseason after pitching last year for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in the NPB, posting a 3.98 ERA (55ER/124.1IP) with 111 strikeouts in 23 appearances in Japan. This season, Lambert made his case by getting off to a strong start at Triple A Sugar Land, where he posted a 1.84 ERA (3ER/14.2IP) in three games (two starts), while also impressing at Major League Spring Training as a non-roster invite (1-1, 2.92 ERA, 4ER/12.1IP). A former Rockie, Lambert has 74 career MLB appearances, including 35 starts. **HOME-COOKIN’:** Tonight is the fourth game of a six-game homestand for the Astros, in which they’ll host a pair of NL opponents in the Rockies (2-1) and Cardinals. The Astros have been great at home in 2026, going 7-3, including a seven-game winning streak, which was snapped last night. **VS. THE CARDS:** This series is a matchup of former division rivals, who spent 19 seasons together in the NL Central from 1994-2012. Overall, the two teams have played each other 722 times, with the Astros going 336-384. These teams also have postseason history, with the Astros going 7-6 vs. the Cards in the playoffs. The two clubs faced off in back-to-back NLCS in 2004-05 with taking the ‘04 NLCS in seven games and Houston winning the ‘05 NLCS in six games. **TODAY’S ROSTER MOVES:** The Astros have selected RHP Peter Lambert (#38) to the Major League roster today. He takes the roster spot of **RHP ,** who was optioned to Triple A Sugar Land after last night’s game. In a corresponding move, the Astros transferred **LHP ** to the 60-day IL. **EXTRA! EXTRA!:** **2B Jose Altuve** recorded his 750th career extra-base hit last night with his 461st career double. He also has 32 triples and 257 home runs, all coming as an Astro. Only Craig Biggio (1,014) and Jeff Bagwell (969) have more extra-base hits than Altuve in franchise history. **GETTING ON :** **IF ** has an active on-base streak of 13 games, which ties as the longest active streak in the AL. During the run, which dates back to March 28, Paredes has posted a .375 OBP. **ON THE MEND: OF ** (right elbow sprain) will begin a rehab assignment with Double A Corpus Christi tonight. Additionally, **LHP ** (left oblique strain) is scheduled to make another rehab appearance at Corpus Christi tonight. **FAITH & FAMILY NIGHT:** Tonight is Faith and Family Night at the ballpark. After the final out, fans are encouraged to stay for special postgame testimonials featuring **, ** and ****. Friday Night Fireworks presented by ConocoPhillips, will also be part of Faith and Family Night, as they will feature the musical theme Faith and Family. **TONIGHT’S SPECIAL GUESTS:** **SS Jeremy Peña** will host students from Raul C. Martinez Elementary School tonight for Peña’s Pals. In its fourth year, Pena’s Pals was developed by Jeremy in partnership with the Astros Foundation. The program celebrates kids and their development in academics, character building and making healthy choices. **THIS WEEKEND’S GIVEAWAYS:** Tonight, 10,000 fans will receive a Carlos Correa City Connect Jersey, presented by Houston Methodist. Tomorrow, 10,000 fans will receive an Astros Ice Cream Bucket Hat, presented by Bay Credit Union.